US appoints new commander to command submarine fleet in the Pacific

According to VTV, Voice of America reported on September 5 that the US Navy has just appointed Rear Admiral Frederick Roegge as the new commander of submarine forces in the Pacific.

The move comes as China is increasing its activities in regional waters, especially in the East Sea.

Mr. Roegge received his new assignment, replacing his predecessor, Rear Admiral Phillip Sawyer, in a ceremony in Hawaii on September 3.

Prior to taking up the position, Mr. Roegge worked at the Pentagon.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commander of the US Strategic Command, Admiral Cecil Haney, said that disagreements and disputes are threatening peace and stability in the Pacific region.

“For example, we see China working to assert its dominance in the East and South China Seas while expanding its ballistic missile submarine force and modernizing its fixed and mobile ballistic missiles and conducting cyber and space operations,” Haney said.

Observers say that China's increased activity in areas such as the East Sea has forced the US to increase reconnaissance activities of its submarine fleet in the Pacific.

Researcher Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute was quoted as saying that submarines are the only type of vehicle capable of eavesdropping and monitoring underwater activities.

Intelligence gathering is also the most important mission of the submarine force of the US Pacific Fleet./.

According to VN+